Music in schools

[Sef]

I wasn't quite sure what the topic of this discussion should be. First I thought that I would wax lyrically about how beautifully perfect the Dvorak Cello Concerto is, provoking some input perhaps on your favourites, but instead I thought I'd share a recent experience with you and pose a question.

Last night I was privileged to attend a concert of the aforementioned concerto (well the first movement anyway) played by a member of the CSO. Nothing unusual so far, except that it was performed at the local high school accompanied by the school orchestra. Not a bad job either, but more importantly what a wonderful experience for the kids.

It got me to thinking that I never had the opportunity at that age to hear a professional musician live at school, let alone play with one, and don't know anyone who did. I wondered whether any of you had such opportunities, and whether you think that if this were to become a more common experience the world would be a better place (and I choose that phrase on purpose as it could make this thread go absolutely anywhere.....).

[Ephemerid]

It got me to thinking that I never had the opportunity at that age to hear a professional musician live at school, let alone play with one, and don't know anyone who did. I wondered whether any of you had such opportunities, and whether you think that if this were to become a more common experience the world would be a better place (and I choose that phrase on purpose as it could make this thread go absolutely anywhere.....).

I was fortunate to be exposed to the idea of performing music at about age 11 or 12.  The junior high school I went to offered band and also string orchestra.  I got into band playing clarinet for two years.  Not that the band I was in played great music or anything, but it was a start.  I never got very proficient at the clarinet however & skipped out on band my last year in junior high and quickly fell out of practise (the reason I dropped was because I chose to take this extra math tutoring class-- I flunked the 8th grade for a variety of reasons-- I was trying to be "responsible" but I regret losing what little momentum I had on the instrument).

In high school I got into choir and sang some pretty challenging stuff from time to time and carried on with that through university (I usually sand baritone, but sometimes helped out with tenor parts).  I miss those days...

I think music is a great discipline, teaches cooperation and I think its good for children (and adults) to get a hands-on experience on what it takes to CREATE music-- to recognise the actual WORK that goes into it.  Its very rewarding, no matter what skill levels are involved. 

But we all know that football and pep rallies are what matters most. 

[Sef]

But we all know that football and pep rallies are what matters most. 

I know there are a lot of non-American members here, but just to give a taste, our school district starts school at 7:25am and have recently been asking for input about possibly making it a little later (originally coming from the UK, I was tempted to talk about it becoming a little more civilized!). The main objection is from the sports groups who think that it will impact them. That's enough apparently to scotch the idea.

[Ephemerid]

I know there are a lot of non-American members here, but just to give a taste, our school district starts school at 7:25am and have recently been asking for input about possibly making it a little later (originally coming from the UK, I was tempted to talk about it becoming a little more civilized!). The main objection is from the sports groups who think that it will impact them. That's enough apparently to scotch the idea.

Halfway through my time high school, a "bigger, better" school was built that consolidated two local high schools.  There was a new-- heck, I forget what it's called-- a special building that was built for the football team with (at the time) a state-of-the-art stereo system with four speakers in each of the special locker rooms built, track lighting, etc. etc.  The choir room was never actually completed during my remaining two years there-- the choir director was constantly asking the principal when she was going to get SHELVES (!!!!!!!) for all the scores in the music library.

Band in my high school had concert band but it was the marching band that got all the attention, playing at pep rallies & football games.

Maybe its different in other parts of the US, but down south it was not uncommon for boys to be deliberately held back (coaches, parents & the student consenting to this!) in order to play more football in high school.  Yee haw.